Cycle B 3rd Sunday of Easter

 Acts 3:13-15; 1 John 2:1-5; Luke 24:35-48.

Today, all three readings from the Holy Scriptures echo that Jesus suffered for the forgiveness of sins. The first reading proclaims "God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, that his Messiah would suffer. Repent therefore, and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out." [Acts 3:18-9] St John speaks in the Second Reading, "He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world." [1 Jn. 2:2] And, during the Gospel, we heard, "Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem." [Lk. 24:46-7]

"Thus, it is written, that the Christ is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day." These words echo the

Cycle B Divine Mercy Sunday

Acts 4:32-35; 1 John 5:1-6; John 20:19-31

On that first day of the week, fear gripped the hearts of the disciples as they locked themselves away from the world. But in their darkest hour, Jesus appeared among them, offering peace in the midst of their fear.

Throughout the Old Testament, we find instances where God's people faced fear and uncertainty, yet God always provided peace and deliverance. One such example is found in the book of Exodus when the Israelites were trapped between the Red Sea and Pharaoh's advancing army. In Exodus 14:13-14, Moses reassures the people, saying, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today." And indeed, the Lord parted the Red Sea, leading His people to safety.

Another powerful example is seen in the life of King David. In Psalm 23, David speaks of finding peace even in the midst of great adversity, saying, "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." David's trust in God's

Cycle B Easter Vigil

 First Reading: [Gen. 1:1-2:2]; Second Reading: [Gen. 22:1-18]; Third Reading: [Ex. 14:15-31, 15:20-1]; Fourth Reading: [Is. 54:5-14;]; Fifth Reading: [Is. 55:1-11]; Sixth Reading: [Bar. 3:9-15, 3:32-4:4]; Seventh Reading: [Ez. 36:16:17a, 18-28]; Epistle: [Rom. 6:3-11]; Gospel: [Mk. 16:1-8]

Harry Houdini was a famous magician who specialized in spectacular escapes. He died in October of 1926. He was never bothered about locks and fetters. It was said of Harry that he had the flexibility of an eel. He had the lives of a cat. They did all kinds of things to try to imprison him. They would seal him in coffins. He would escape. They riveted him into a boiler. He escaped. They put him up in canvas bags and sewed the bags. He escaped. They locked him in a milk can. He escaped. They sealed him in a beer barrel. He escaped. They put him in maximum-security prison. And old Harry somehow got out. But then in October 1926 death laid his hands on Harry Houdini and put him in a grave and he is yet to escape. As a matter of fact, he told his wife, if there is any way out, I will find it. If there is any way out, I’ll make contact with you and we’ll do it on the anniversary of my death. For 10 years she kept a light burning over his portrait. At the end of 10 years, she turned out the light. Death had Harry and he couldn’t escape.

Death laid his hands on Jesus as well. It put Jesus in a tomb. And there was a stone in the mouth of that tomb and the seal of the Roman government was placed upon that tomb. But on the third day, Jesus Christ stirred Himself. He rose from the sleep of

Cycle B Good Friday

 Is. 52:13-53:12; Heb. 4:14-16; 5:7-9; Jn. 18:1-19:42

A father works tirelessly to provide for his loved ones, sacrificing his own desires for their well-being. One day, a tragedy strikes and their home is engulfed in flames. He was horror stricken because his child was in the house going to be burnt to death in the fire.  The father finds himself faced with an impossible choice: to save himself or to save his child trapped inside.

Without hesitation, he rushes into the burning house. Amidst the smoke and flames, he finds his precious one and shields him from harm, bearing the full brunt of the fire's fury. The father's selfless act costs him his own life, but his child is spared, rescued from certain death by the ultimate sacrifice of a loving parent.

Here we catch a glimpse of the sacrificial love demonstrated by Jesus on that fateful Good Friday. Just as the father willingly laid down his life for his child Jesus lay down His life for all humanity. His death on the cross was not merely an act of duty but a profound expression of love beyond measure.